MAIN STREET KENT OKTOBERFEST

Kent, Ohio – In partnership with Giant Eagle and Spaten Oktoberfest, Main Street Kent presents the annual Kent Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 23, from noon to 10pm! The event will take place on Franklin Ave., from Erie St. to Main St., including a section of W. Main St. and the Hometown Bank Plaza. For the first time since its inception, Kent Oktoberfest will feature all three Kent breweries, Bell Tower Brewing, MadCap Brew Co., and North Water Brewing, with one being featured at each of three beer trucks at the event. The beer trucks will also feature Spaten Oktoberfest and a variety of other seasonal beverages, including a cider option. Attendees may purchase commemorative plastic beer pitchers or cups of beer during the event. The first 200 Giant Eagle Advantage cardholders to show their card at the event will receive free Kent Oktoberfest beer pitchers (beer not included) as a special perk! Local eateries will be set up on the street, selling specially-prepared German fare and other local treats. Vendors will include Erie Street Kitchen, Ray’s Place, Over Easy at the Depot, Roll Call, The Pierogi Lady, GRAZERS, Popped! and Daisy Pops. The Kent Fire Department will also be on site selling food as a department fundraiser, with all products being generously donated by Giant Eagle. Guests are asked to bring proper identification. Cash and credit cards will be accepted. No pets are permitted per city ordinance; service animals are welcome.

Sponsors for this year’s event include: Giant Eagle, Spaten Oktoberfest, Hometown Bank, Portage Community Bank, The Portager, Klaben Auto Stores, Summit FM, Bell Tower Brewing, MadCap Brew Co., North Water Brewing, and AMETEK; their support of Main Street Kent makes this event possible and the entertainment fantastic! The schedule for the day is as follows: The Mike Wojtila Trio will perform polka from 12:00pm – 3:00pm; the German Family Society Youth Group dancers will showcase a variety of dances at 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 2:30pm; then three local bands will take the stage, including the Brent Kirby Trio at 3:30pm, Ringer at 5:30pm and Van Sailin’ at 8:00pm — a fun, festive variety of music! There will also be an “unofficial” stein-holding competition, so stay tuned to Main Street Kent social media for details and sign-up information pertaining to this new, fun addition!

Main Street Kent is currently seeking volunteers for the event. It’s a fun way to meet people and get involved in the community, and if you sign up by Sept. 8, you get a Kent Oktoberfest volunteer t-shirt! Sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A44AAAB2FA2FA7-main1#/

In support of this fundraising event and Main Street Kent’s commitment to comply with the special event liquor permit, local bars and restaurants that normally serve DORA beverages will refrain from selling them on the day of the event. (DORA is a “Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area” where alcoholic beverages can be purchased and taken outside for consumption in a specific area. More info is available at https://www.mainstreetkent.org/dora/.)

Proceeds from the event will benefit Main Street Kent, the non-profit organization dedicated to making downtown Kent a fun, vibrant and thriving place. Visit https://www.mainstreetkent.org/events/oktoberfest/ for more information.

Main Street Kent is a non-profit organization focused on the revitalization of downtown Kent. It is an affiliate of the national Main Street program and the Heritage Ohio program.

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